Travelogue: Alaska & Canada

I just got back from a trip to Alaska and Canada- is this really my life?  It was a big family vacation- and when I say big, I mean BIG- as in 39 of us on a boat kind of big.  Here I am, sitting in 91 degree weather when just the other day I was in a rainforest looking at glaciers and icebergs.  

Here was our big trip: Seattle, WA (yes, we were there just 2 weeks ago...) > Tracy's Arm, Alaska > Juneau, Ketchikan & Sitka, Alaska > Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.  Phew, okay, here we go!

Life at sea

Oh, you know, just chilling on the Lido Deck...

And of course, our obligatory mahjong session.  Yes, we are on the ridiculously addicted side.

The ship was gorgeous.  In every room, on every table, down every hallway there was an arrangement of fresh flowers.  And down every corridor, there was a gallery of amazing art on the walls.  Even the ceilings were equally breathtaking- colorful and sculptural.

And the food- let me tell you, I have never eaten so well in my entire life.  Every night a 5 course dinner- a multiple knife sort of occasion.  What made the food experience even more fun was that one of chefs was a Filipino and he made special meals for our large group of Filipinos!  It was fun to have lechon and pancit at our meals!  It was difficult to not feel absolutely pampered.  The mealtimes alone were surreal experiences.

Then we went through TRACY'S ARM.  It was a tight corridor of icebergs, glaciers and steep mountains adorned with green trees and waterfalls.  The water blended itself into beautiful shades of the deepest and truest turquoises and teals. Scattered all about the water were icebergs that looked like they were the size of mid-sized sedans that grew only larger the deeper we went in.  The ice was so white, it was blinding, almost glowing.  The sights were incredible and I would be lying if I didn't say that I was longing for it a little bit in this hot La weather...

And our many beautiful stops along the way!

And then to Victoria, Canada!

 As we were leaving the port, I had some fun with some motion shots.  I love the lights of the city over the water!

And as exciting as our off shore excursions were, they were just as exciting on board.  We celebrated Ate Shelley's birthday as well as Bubba winning the superstar singing competition!  His prize for winning?  A standing ovation, a job offer, a trophy and a bottle of French sparkling wine.  Mmm, wine... we were all winners that evening.

Happy travels friends!  Back to work for me!